Three women and one man. The odds are finally on a woman to win this season, but you know what they say about odds. Or something.

Trying a slightly new format for my recap this week…

Marie and Jonathan
Ballroom Round: Quickstep

Wardrobe: Absolutely gorgeous dress and Jonathan looks wonderful in tails.

Music: Good Mornin’ from Singin’ in the Rain which absolutely worked and is one of my favorite songs ever.

Performance: Half the audience was Osmond tonight, I think. And a really lovely performance by Marie. She always gets the character of the dance and she always entertains. And this was a wonderful Quickstep. Plenty of “content” and difficulty and they are most definitely trying to show that they are in it to win it.

Judges: Len thought it was “perfect”. Bruno says she went “Hollywood classic” and “plenty of content”. Carrie Ann thought it was “wonderful” and that they “upped their game”.

Judges scores: 10 + 10 + 9 = 29

My score: 10

Mel B and Maksim
Ballroom Round: Viennese Waltz

Wardrobe: Her dress was a little odd - it was pretty except for the really weird corset thing around her waist that made her look like she had a giant belly button, and an overabundance of bling. Maks looked hot as usual.

Music: Queen’s Somebody to Love which was kind of a bizarre choice for a Viennese Waltz which to me should be very floaty, very pretty, very light and airy. It just felt too heavy.

Performance: The four walking splits were a.maz.ing. Mel was, as always, terrific. Maks’ choreography worked with the music, and it was a wonderful performance. It is obvious that they really care for each other and enjoy working together.

Judges: Bruno said it was the “Ferrari of Viennese waltzes”. Carrie Ann said it gave her “chills” and that she “keeps bringing more to the floor”. Len said it was “absolutely fabulous” and it had “clever choreography”.

Judges scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30

My score: 10

Jennie and Derek
Ballroom Round: Tango

Wardrobe: Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band uniforms. Not exactly tango-ish to me, but Jennie looked pretty nonetheless.

Music: Fallout Boy’s The Take Over which I did not like for this dance at all.

Performance: Usually I really like Derek’s choreography, but there were some weird things in there that I didn’t care so much for, but overall it was passionate and exciting. I wouldn’t call this a breakthrough for Jennie, but it was close. I think she has determination and passion and that was really nice to see.

Judges: Carrie Ann said Jennie wasn’t giving up and she was determined, but that the chemistry was missing between them. Len thought there was chemistry and that it had “passion and energy”. Bruno called her “Jennie the red menace”.

Judges scores: 9 + 10 + 9 = 28

My score: 9

Helio and Julianne
Ballroom Round: Foxtrot

Wardrobe: Helio looked so debonair in his tails, and Julianne’s dress was beautiful except for the weird sequined mosquito netting hanging off of one arm.

Music: Dean Martin’s Ain’t that a Kick in the Head was perfect for the Foxtrot.

Performance: The perfect dance for Helio’s sunny personality, and some really great choreography. Julianne consistently puts out some of the best choreography in the show every week and Helio didn’t let her down.

Judges: Len thought “it was beautiful”. Bruno said it was impossible to believe he’d never danced before this competition. Carrie Ann said his charisma shines.

Judges scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30

My score: 10

Up next, the Latin Round and Master Class with Len Goodman (DanceMaster) for all the contestants at rehearsal.

Marie and Jonathan
Latin Round: Mambo

Wardrobe: Marie’s costume looks like one of those dashboard hula girls. A little too much frill. And Jonathan’s sleeves were too frilly, too. Luckily, Jonathan ripped off her skirt and she ripped off his sleeves, and it was all much better.

Music: Don’t know what it was called, but it worked.

Performance: Jonathan starts the performance sitting with her brothers and Marie starts the performance swiveling those hips. A lot of hip action and a lot of shaking going on. And Marie ends up in her brother’s laps. Very cute! A very good performance, but not as good as their Quickstep.

Judges: Bruno said it was the “most dizzily madcap Mambo” he’s ever seen. Carrie Ann said her “favorite hot cougar” is back. Len said her hips were “working” and he loves watching them perform.

Judges scores: 9 + 9 + 9 = 27

My score: 9

Mel B and Maksim
Latin Round: Paso Doble

Wardrobe: Love the red velvet catsuit!

Music: Rolling Stones’ I Can’t Get No Satisfaction which was okay, but not great.

Performance: Maybe a little too gimmicky with the whip and the dragging at the beginning, but it was passionate and hot and fiery. The Paso Doble is definitely her dance. If they don’t make the finals, it’s a crime.

Judges: Carrie Ann thought it was powerful and dynamic. Len thought they’d made a blunder by repeating the Paso Doble, but it was “fantastic”. Bruno said Mel B is “satisfaction guaranteed”.

Judges scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30

My score: 10

Jennie and Derek
Latin Round: Cha Cha

Wardrobe: Cute little sassy number - loved it

Music: Mustang Sally which really worked for this dance.

Performance: This was sizzling hot and my favorite dance Jennie has ever done. FINALLY! Breakthrough!!!!

Judges: Len liked seeing how she has developed from the first week until now. Bruno said she’s done it, she’s got the star power and that it was brilliant. Carrie Ann said “work! it! out!”

Judges scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30

My score: 10

Helio and Julianne
Latin Round: Cha Cha

Wardrobe: Red hotness

Music: Rollercoaster of Love - perfect music for this dance.

Performance: The level of difficulty of this dance was amazing with the spins and the twists and the turns and the intricate footwork and they made it look easy. If they don’t make it to the Finals, it’s crime number 2.

Judges: Bruno thought it was eyepopping and vibrant. Carrie Ann said Helio is a star and that it was “ridiculous”. Len thought they were the standout couple tonight.

Judges scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30

My score: 10

Judges ranking
1. Helio and Julianne (30 + 30 = 60)
1. Mel B and Maks (30 + 30 = 60)
3. Jennie and Derek (28 + 30 = 58)
4. Marie and Jonathan (29 + 27 = 56)

My ranking
1. Helio and Julianne (10 + 10 = 20)
2. Mel B and Maks (10 + 10 = 20)
3. Marie and Jonathan (10 + 9 = 19)
4. Jennie and Derek (9 + 10 = 19)

Honestly, I don’t want anyone to go home. But, Helio and Mel B absolutely deserve to be in the final. Between Marie and Jennie, it’s a really tough call. I enjoyed both of them so much tonight. Marie really stepped up her game and Jennie finally had her breakthrough. It’s going to be so sad to see anyone leave.